India doing better than Australia in crunch situations: Tait

India have been dominating the once unassailable Australian squad as they have learnt to do better than their opponents in crunch situations and the hosts' batt

Written by Press Trust of India

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Mumbai:

India have been dominating the once unassailable Australian squad as they have learnt to do better than their opponents in crunch situations and the hosts' batting order led by Sachin Tendulkar is the best in the world, according to speedster Shaun Tait.

"I think India over the past few years have done well in the past few series. They are three up on Australia. Their bowling order is still mixed up, but their batting is solid, its the best in the world," he told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday.

"There are a few injuries (in the Aussie ranks) at the moment. Australia are sorting their side out. The team is keeping an eye over the Ashes. But full marks to India. They have done well in the crunch situations.

"There was a time when Australia used to be good mentally in the crunch time. Now India have developed that quality," he added.

Praising Sachin Tendulkar, he said that given the kind of form he was in, the only way the opposition could hope to dismiss him was through run-out.

"He is the best player in the world. Been that for a long time. Probably, Australia and most of the other teams have struggled to bowl to him. Bowling to him is a difficult thing. You can ask any bowler how to bowl to him and they won't know. You have got to run him out these days."

On his own duel with the champion batsman, the South Australia bowler said, "I haven't played against him too much. The couple of times I have played against him he's got the better of me. Played against him recently in the Champions League. I think I bowled right through him. I did get him out."

Tait said the ongoing three-match limited overs series was a good opportunity for players in both the teams, ahead of the World Cup 2011.

"I think there is a little bit of inexperience in the team. Our top players have gone home. One match has been washed out. It should be a decent series. Both teams would be thinking about the World Cup. Players in the teams would be wanting to perform well and seal their berth in the WC squad," he added.

The lanky fast-bowler said he was dissappointed with the expulsion of his IPL franchisee Rajasthan Royals from the Twenty20 league.

"Its dissappointing for me. Played for Rajasthan Royals last time around," he said adding that in the present situation most of the players would be willing to represent any team in the IPL.

"Hopefully, IPL can sort out the differences. And it could be a good tournament again."

Tait, who is currently out of action with an elbow injury, said he was hopeful of a comeback in international cricket in January next year.

"I had an operation on my elbow two weeks ago. I think I will start playing early January. The World Cup starts in February so its a good time to come here. The IPL will be exciting as well."